Bill > SB1976

This bill mandates that any law enforcement agency in Tennessee that uses body cameras must establish a written policy governing their use by officers, and officers must receive training on this policy and the law before using the cameras. The policy must ensure cameras are worn to maximize footage capture, set clear rules for when to start and stop recording (including activating cameras when responding to calls or during encounters with the public, unless an immediate safety threat prevents it), and require officers to notify individuals they are being recorded. Exceptions to recording are outlined, such as when entering a private residence without a warrant, interacting with victims of domestic abuse or rape, or speaking with someone anonymously reporting a crime, provided the individual requests the camera be turned off. The bill also specifies retention periods for body camera recordings, generally six months, but extended to at least thirteen months for incidents involving use of force, felony arrests, or when a complaint is filed, and also allows for extended retention if requested by the officer, a subject of the recording, or their next of kin for evidentiary or training purposes. Importantly, these recordings are considered public records, with specific exceptions, and the bill outlines consequences for violations, including disciplinary action and evidentiary presumptions in favor of defendants or civil plaintiffs if evidence is destroyed or not captured.